My first entry in the Dreamspun Beyond line of contemporary, romance-forward paranormal books from Dreamspinner Press. Think Harlequin with a supernatMy first entry in the Dreamspun Beyond line of contemporary, romance-forward paranormal books from Dreamspinner Press. Think Harlequin with a supernatural twist and, of course, a sweet HEA.

Kit is half-human, half red-fox spirit, and the Guardian of a gateway between the human and spirit worlds. Kit's powers have waned because since the death of his last Keeper--the human whose powers give a guardian strength--Kit has been alone for five years.

Zane has no idea he is the Keeper Kit's been waiting for. He arrives at the brownstone his second cousin left him and his twin sister, ready to start a new job and a new life in Cleveland. The last thing he expects is to find the house comes complete with such an attractive caretaker.

Zane and Kit are drawn to each other, as Guardian and Keeper. But Kit is afraid to tell Zane what he is, and Zane is helpless as he watches Kit become weaker and weaker. Will Kit finally tell Zane the truth about their connection and bind him forever to the gateway, or will he sacrifice himself to ensure Zane's freedom?

I hope you enjoy reading this sweet, romantic story as much as I did writing it! I'm already thinking ahead to a spinoff story in the same universe--Heart's Gate. <3...more

My second entry in the Dreamspun Desires line of sweet, tropey, gay romances a la old-fashioned category romance books. The trope this time? Amnesia,My second entry in the Dreamspun Desires line of sweet, tropey, gay romances a la old-fashioned category romance books. The trope this time? Amnesia, one of my favorites.

Adam Preston is your all-round good guy. He's talented, too, and he's taken his father's moribund computer parts company and turned it into a successful endeavor. Too successful, perhaps, because now he has mega-company Entech snapping its jaws and trying to buy the company (and Adam) with it, something Adam strongly opposes. Adam's sister is in his corner. His brother, not so much, and he's not sure about his mother. Adam is stressed to the limit. His sister tells him to take a break, and Adam heads to the Dominican Republic for a week of scuba diving and fun in the sun. The last person he expected to meet at the resort was a guy he'd totally fall for: the adorable and witty Jonah James.

Jonah is charming and intelligent. He also has no idea who he really is. He washed up on a Punta Cana beach ten years before and started an entirely new life. Jonah's happy with who he is now, and he doesn't really want to know what happened before. But meeting Adam triggers memories Jonah can't avoid. When he finally realizes the truth, it may be too late to save his fledgling relationship with Adam.

I love the Dreamspun Desires line. It's fun, a little spicy, and meant to leave you with a warm fuzzy HEA. I hope you'll enjoy Adam and Jonah's story and their little piece of paradise!...more

I love a good Tali Spencer story, so when she asked me to beta read this one, I didn't hesitate! I love the way Tali blends romance and political intrI love a good Tali Spencer story, so when she asked me to beta read this one, I didn't hesitate! I love the way Tali blends romance and political intrigue with the hottest sex and sexual tension imaginable in her Uttor series. I've even enjoyed the 2 MF books in the series (though not as much as the MM books like this one), even though het romance isn't exactly my favorite.

The Uttor books are intertwined, standalone stories set in the fictional Kingdom of Uttor. Each focuses on the children of the vanquished Seboyan king. The children are all beautiful, intelligent, and talented, but they've been manipulated all their lives by their domineering and off-kilter father. In Uttor, they are treated like royalty, although they are prisoners of the emperor.

Victory Portrait is the story of Peta, one of the princes. Nearly killed for his homosexuality, being taken captive by the Uttoran emperor is definitely better than the fate that awaited him in his home country right before it fell to Uttor. Peta is beautiful, curious, and brilliant. And he's always had a thing for the Uttoran general Darius Arrento. So when the Uttoran emperor orders Peta to "inspire" a portrait of the standoffish Darius, Peta obliges (and enjoys it). In the end it's wily Peta who saves the powerful general, and wins his heart in the process.

I loved the rich language and the sexy sittings for the infamous "victory portrait." Nice little kink with the painter, but the story is a sweet and satisfying one, along with being hot as Hades!...more

My first humorous novel is set in one of my favorite places: Bald Head Island. I wanted to write a funny, sweet romance with a touch of angst about aMy first humorous novel is set in one of my favorite places: Bald Head Island. I wanted to write a funny, sweet romance with a touch of angst about a second chance at love. Wes is a slightly uptight history professor. Sam is action star "Sander Carson." The two met in grad school, years before, but their relationship has fallen apart.

Sam, in a desperate attempt to win Wes back, agrees to act in a D-movie about the real-life "gentleman pirate," Stede Bonnet. Silliness ensues, including anachronistic weapons, costumes, and dialogue that make pirate expert Wes grind his teeth in frustration.

I hope you enjoy this sweet and funny story about true love that won't quit, and finding your way back to your heart's home....more

The writing is clean and concise, but the book didn't wow me. As some readers have noted, this is a series, after all. Starting with this, the 2nd booThe writing is clean and concise, but the book didn't wow me. As some readers have noted, this is a series, after all. Starting with this, the 2nd book, I expected I'd miss out on some of the worldbuilding. And I'm pretty sure I did, but then I was reading this more as a guilty pleasure than looking for serious sci fi, so that was fine. The book fell flat for me on a different level.

The sexy bits, and they are dark and plentiful, were promising, but I found it difficult to feel the pull between the two MCs. Not quite instalove, but the emotions just seemed lacking and then, boom, there's a love powerful enough for one of the men to risk a trip to hell and back to save the other. Perhaps a bit more time to develop the relationship between the two, and I might have been sold on it, but as it was, it felt glossed over.

This book ends on a serious cliffhanger, and I will be reading the last book. I am hopeful I'll get a bit more of that emotional connection in the last book in the series....more

It's October, 2015, and I'm about halfway through writing Blood and Eternity, the final book in the Blood Series from Dreamspinner Press. And yes, I pIt's October, 2015, and I'm about halfway through writing Blood and Eternity, the final book in the Blood Series from Dreamspinner Press. And yes, I promise a happy ending for all three pairs (you know I won't write a book without a HEA!).

Adrien Gilbert continues to gain control of the demon within himself and the ability to manipulate time. Together with Nicolas Lambert (Rousseau), he battles the vampire hunters led by Pelletier who seek to destroy the Council of Hunters.

Pelletier enlists some frightening help in his crusade--horrible creatures created through vampire blood who respond to his commands. The fight is a distraction from Pelletier's true motive: to force Adrien to grow strong enough to fight him one on one. But what choice does Adrien have but to fight to save the vampires and hunters he loves?

What will become of the Council of Hunters? Will Adrien be able to return to his own timeline and reunite with the Nicolas he lost at the ill-fated wedding? And will Adrien lose to his inner demon, or will he grow strong enough to finally win against the seemingly unbeatable Pelletier? ...more

My first entry in the brand-new Dreamspun Desires line from Dreamspinner Press. Tropey, sweet, romance front and center stories that are light on theMy first entry in the brand-new Dreamspun Desires line from Dreamspinner Press. Tropey, sweet, romance front and center stories that are light on the angst and all about sweaty palms, near misses, and love conquers all.

Jesse Donovan's a billionaire businessman who needs to get married or he'll lose control of his company. Chris Valentine is a struggling novelist who works as a barista to afford New York City rent. When Jesse comes to one of Chris's readings at a Manhattan cafe, he gives Chris his card. The last thing Chris expects from Jesse is a marriage proposal!

I can't tell you how much fun I had writing this story! It's definitely a departure for me, since I gravitate toward angsty stories. But I think I'll be writing more along the lines of this book, and soon!

My first book by Emory Vargas and definitely not my last. I picked up the story after seeing a post on a blog. I don't get to read much these days andMy first book by Emory Vargas and definitely not my last. I picked up the story after seeing a post on a blog. I don't get to read much these days and rarely read historicals, but since I was on vacation and it caught my eye, I figured I'd give it a chance. Boy was I pleasantly surprised!

First off, the writing was excellent. Clean, easy to read, well-edited. Nothing to detract from the story. And while I suppose the hurt/comfort and whore with a heart of gold (and a painful backstory) aren't new territory, I found the story endearing and sweet. Emmett won my heart out of the gate, with his no-nonsense manner and straightforward acceptance of his attraction to Jesse. Jesse was sweet and heartbreaking at the same time.

The plot is well-done, with a little excitement sprinkled in that had me on the edge of my seat. But more than anything, the two MCs pulled me in an didn't let my heart go.

Book 2 in my Blood Series from Dreamspinner Press. Whereas Book 1, Blood and Rain, ends with something of a cliffhanger, Book 2 ends with a happily-foBook 2 in my Blood Series from Dreamspinner Press. Whereas Book 1, Blood and Rain, ends with something of a cliffhanger, Book 2 ends with a happily-for-now for the main pairing of Adrien and Nicolas. Book 3, "Blood and Eternity", will be released in early 2016.

This book picks up where the first book left off in the lead up to Nicolas's wedding to Rosina Rousseau. But all is not as it seems, and a 200 year old secret is revealed that throws the wedding into chaos and will forever change Adrien's life.

Book 1: Blood and RainBook 2: Blood and GhostsBook 3: Blood and Eternity

Books in the Blood Series are sequels, and should be read in order....more

4.5 stars, rounding up because, DAMN, that was such a cool concept! I won't go into the plot here, since so many other reviewers already have, but suf4.5 stars, rounding up because, DAMN, that was such a cool concept! I won't go into the plot here, since so many other reviewers already have, but suffice it to say it's original and a blend of sci fi/fantasy set in the present day.

It took me a while to wrap my brain around the universe (and I agree, the glossary would have been more helpful up front since it hid while I read on Kindle and I discovered it at the end). Even after I finished, I had several unanswered questions that felt like threads of the story had been dropped. Not the most important threads, but enough that I went back and re-read to try to figure it out and still didn't learn the answers. The ending was both wonderful (from an emotional standpoint) and a little too pat (from a plot perspective).

Even more than understanding the universe, it took me a while to follow the language and rhythm of the writing. It's unusual, with sentences that drop parts of speech, body parts acting of their own accord, that sort of thing. This is the first Jack Pyke book I've read, so I'm not sure that's her usual writing style. It wasn't a turnoff, but it did take some adjusting to.

The characters and the underlying mystery were all very well done. I felt for these people, cared for them, screamed at them, and ended up loving them.

This is a rough read, with non-con/rape, horrible crimes committed against children on the page, and lots of rage. I highly recommend it, but it's not for the squeamish. It's beautiful and brutal, all at the same time....more

I love Kay Berrisford's prose--it makes me feel as though I'm back in the days of Robin Hood, wandering about the Greenwood, and there are fair folk hI love Kay Berrisford's prose--it makes me feel as though I'm back in the days of Robin Hood, wandering about the Greenwood, and there are fair folk hiding in the bushes, waiting to pop out at me. "Lord of the Forest" is the second book I've read in this series, and I enjoyed getting lost in Ms. Berrisford's universe for a few hours.

Political intrigue of the human and fae variety combine with the classic Robin Hood myth in this lovely book. The one thing I'd loved to have seen (felt?) more of is the connection between the two MCs. The romance in these stories comes less from the men themselves and more from the setting and the writing. It's very enjoyable, but bumping that up a notch would have made this a 5-star read for me.

Such a sweet book. I'll admit up front I'm not a big holiday story reader, but the themes in this book are universal regardless of the holiday tie-in.Such a sweet book. I'll admit up front I'm not a big holiday story reader, but the themes in this book are universal regardless of the holiday tie-in. And while the themes (death, xenophobia) are deep and dark in places, the book is by no means a downer - it's a lovingly crafted and easy read that will leave you smiling (and maybe sniffling a little!). The cover really resonated with me, and it's a lovely depiction of the story....more

The final installment in the Mermen of Ea Series, "Running with the Wind" completes the saga of Ian and Taren and the ongoing civil war between the meThe final installment in the Mermen of Ea Series, "Running with the Wind" completes the saga of Ian and Taren and the ongoing civil war between the merfolk factions. With Ian at his side, Taren becomes the leader he was always meant to be.

The road to peace is not an easy one for the Ea, and the future isn't always apparent. Taren knows the goddess will guide him, but there are no guarantees he or Ian will survive the difficult task she has given them.

Will there be more books in the Ea universe? Probably, since there's a story yet to be told involving two secondary characters. A story for another time.......more

The first installment in my 3-book "Blood" series from Dreamspinner Press. And, never fear, there is a HEA at the end of the series. Well, three HEAsThe first installment in my 3-book "Blood" series from Dreamspinner Press. And, never fear, there is a HEA at the end of the series. Well, three HEAs to be precise, since there are three MM pairings in the series.

Adrien Gilbert is a vampire hunter who received the gift of immortality from an ancient vampire (born a vampire, not created), Nicolas Lambert. Adrien unwittingly becomes caught up in a struggle for the heart and soul of the powerful Council of Hunters.

Naive and bookish, Adrien has despised vampires since witnessing his mother's murder by a vampire years before. Adrien's world turns upside-down when his older brother, Francois, is murdered. The Council activates Adrien's commission and sends him off in pursuit of the vampire believed to have killed Francois.

But things aren't at all what they seem, and Adrien realizes that the true danger to humanity comes not from vampires, but from the hunters themselves. When vampire Nicolas offers to help Adrien find Francois's murderer, Adrien finds himself falling for the gentle vampire and an entire universe of possibilities begins to unfold before him.

Adrien's journey of the heart will take him to the past and back to a future he doesn't recognize. The stories are part historical, part contemporary paranormal, adventure/romance.

I really enjoyed this book. Nonstop gritty action, and the sex matched the dark universe. There's a definite noncon/dubcon vibe, since Rhys, the 19 yeI really enjoyed this book. Nonstop gritty action, and the sex matched the dark universe. There's a definite noncon/dubcon vibe, since Rhys, the 19 year old who is saved by a group of soldiers, is essentially forced into having sex with multiple partners in the hopes of saving himself from the virus that's turned much of humanity into zombies.

The post-apocalyptic universe is well-done, but what sold me were the characters. Darius was especially well-written and believable, and Rhys was just vulnerable enough, but with a distinct edge. I didn't always love the two MCs, but I fell in love with them through the story as their rough edges softened.

The only negative that kept me from shouting "yeah!" after I finished was that the ending felt abrupt. Rough, like the rest of the story, but after so much struggle, I wanted to understand what the future held for these two men. (view spoiler)[I had mixed feelings in particular about how everyone so easily accepted that Rhys was somehow immune to all three strains in play. And if he truly was, wouldn't someone at least have questioned whether he might be the salvation of humanity? I kept wondering if I'd missed something in the explanation of the strains and should have known this wasn't possible. (hide spoiler)]

I highly recommend this well-written, dark story to those who love their characters raw and powerful and like a bit of power play/kink in their sex....more

I've always wanted to write Lord Cameron (Cam) Sherrington's story, if only to show that sometimes people are screwed up for a good reason. At the endI've always wanted to write Lord Cameron (Cam) Sherrington's story, if only to show that sometimes people are screwed up for a good reason. At the end of "Aria," Cam (who breaks opera singer Aiden Lind's heart), redeems himself a little. But not so much that I fell in love with him, as I usually do with my characters. Still, I knew Cam was the way he was for a reason, and I knew I wanted to share his story with Blue Notes readers....

Cam begins "Dissonance" with his usual smart-ass, I-don't-give-a-shit attitude. At least on the outside. Underneath, we already see the cracks forming in his life of luxury. Getting inside Cam's head was both a revelation and a painful experience for me, because I began to see the heart of gold underneath all the BS. And I had to draw out the demons of Cam's childhood--demons even he didn't want to remember.

Cam's story is based on real-life stories of survivors of abuse. And although my personal experience with child abuse is not as extreme as Cam's, I know too many adults who survived what Cam survived and far worse. Sometimes it's easy to forget that we are who were are in part because of where we've been. For Cam, his betrayal as a child lays the foundation for the flighty playboy he becomes. That betrayal runs so deep, even Cam can't fathom it.

I also knew that for Cam to grow, he needed to lose everything that keeps him going. He needed to walk through the fire. How he makes it through, if he makes it through, depends upon his own strength of character in the end. He won't do it alone, either. In Galen Rusk, he finds a dogged ally who has been through his own, different traumatic experience. With Galen's support, Cam has a chance to change his life.

I hope you'll come to love Cam as much as I did through this story. He has a great deal to offer. He'll pay for his actions, but by doing so, he'll become a man worthy of real and lasting love. -Shira...more

3.5 stars, rounded up. Interesting first book in a series. Alternate universe society where poor children are sold into slavery. Bran, a young slave,3.5 stars, rounded up. Interesting first book in a series. Alternate universe society where poor children are sold into slavery. Bran, a young slave, is sent to the "slave breakers" because he keeps trying to run away. Without going into and spoiling the plot, this is really a coming of age story where with the help of a caring master, Bran learns about himself and how to survive as a slave.

The writing is solid, and the book kept me interested and caring about the characters throughout. The characters were well drawn, and I enjoyed seeing Bran's growth throughout the story.

The only reason I didn't give this a flat-out 4 stars was that it was missing world-building I thought would have helped to round out the characters. There were vacuums mentioned at one point, but then a character uses a chamber pot in his room, and I was left scratching my head. Very little about the city (?) town (?) the characters lived in, about how the characters lived other than the general references to marketplaces and the slave trade (and even this wasn't 100% clear to me). The world seemed two-dimensional. I had to refer back to our own Earth and assume that was the setting.

That said, I'll be looking for the sequel and hoping for more context there.

2nd edition of the first book in the Blue Notes Series of standalone, interrelated music-themed romances from Dreamspinner Press. Re-edited. Contains2nd edition of the first book in the Blue Notes Series of standalone, interrelated music-themed romances from Dreamspinner Press. Re-edited. Contains new scenes and updated text.

Loosely based on my own experiences as a professional musician. Don't know anything about classical music? You don't need to read the series!

Books in the Blue Notes Series can be read in any order, but this is the chronological order of the series, in case you prefer to read them that way:

Definition of "Into the Wind": heading into the direction the wind is blowing. As any sailor knows, you can't sail directlySequel to Stealing the Wind

Definition of "Into the Wind": heading into the direction the wind is blowing. As any sailor knows, you can't sail directly into the wind. But the way things are going for Taren, it seems as though everywhere he turns, he's headed directly into the wind.

The second Mermen of Ea book is, as the first, focused on Taren, who has many questions about his past and his future. At Ian's side, for a short time, Taren is both happy and content. But dreams of his past life continue to haunt him, as do the memories of his time spent in the Ea prison. He has many questions, but he finds himself afraid to ask them and afraid of learning the truth of his past. Taren dreams of his life as Treande and of the rune stone, and he knows his future is bound up in both. But is he Treande, or is he his own person? The one thing Taren knows for sure is that he couldn't survive a future without Ian in it.

When the leader of the mainland Ea faction asks Ian and Taren to sail to the Gateway Islands to locate the reclusive pirate, Odhran, both men jump at the chance to put to sea. But along the way, the Phantom is attacked by human ships and Taren is separated from Ian and his crew. Taren awakens on one of the Gateway islands and meets Brynn, a beautiful young boy who claims to know Odhran. But Brynn has his secrets, just as Taren does. And when Taren finally meets Odhran, those secrets could prove fatal.

There are lots of surprises and a few new characters I think you'll enjoy in this second installment in the series. Want to read an excerpt from "Into the Wind?" You can find it here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/books/int...